Monday, May 5, 2008Beijing
After passing through the three palaces of the Inner Court (that’s kind of a misnomer, since you can only walk around them, not through them), you come to one last gate—very small and very subtle, compared to the grand porticos I’ve stepped through thus far. The Gate of Heavenly Unity is the back door that leads to the family gardens.
Or, in this case, the Imperial Gardens, which are significantly more impressive than most families’ back yards.
Directly in front of me, as I step through the gate, are two ancient cypress trees intertwined as a symbol of eternal, devoted love. Even the most hard hearted cynic can’t help but look at these with awe. Surrounded by songbirds and spackled sunshine, one can only imagine the mystical, magical strolls taken by regals and royals. Today, those paths are ours to follow, with respect.
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